The objective of the resource center is to provide space for a mindset change for refugees to adopt harmonious and peaceful lifestyles even when they return to their home countries. Rwot Odongtoo observed that most refugees, particularly their leaders, engage in unlawful activities, a culture they continue to practice even after seeking asylum.
The Inspectorate of
Government (IG) has initiated the construction of a resource center and
reception offices for refugees in Lamwo district valued at Shillings 840 million.
On Tuesday, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Acan Okiria,
Lamwo district leaders, and refugee representatives from Palabek Ogili Sub
County launched the project, which will involve constructing the resource
center on land provided by Rwot Osman Odongtoo of the Lugwar Clan and
establishing the reception offices at the Palabek Ogili resettlement camps.
The objective of the resource center is to
provide space for a mindset change for refugees to adopt harmonious and
peaceful lifestyles even when they return to their home countries. Rwot
Odongtoo observed that most refugees, particularly their leaders, engage in unlawful
activities, a culture they continue to practice even after seeking asylum.
Among these practices are defilement, burglary, assault, domestic violence,
child marriage, fighting, and violent lifestyles, which are common in their
home countries. The cultural institution, Office of the Prime Minister, Lamwo
district local government, and development partners will train refugees at the
center to undergo mindset change as they transition back to their home
countries. According to Acan, the project experienced delays due to the theft
of Shillings 1.2 billion meant for it.
//Cue in: ‘’This is a…
Cue out: …people to
steal.’’//
Last year, three staff of the Office of the
Prime Minister (OPM), Julius Kamuza, the settlement Commandant, Byasali Kabi,
the Protection officer, and Armitage Basikania, the Desk Officer, withdrew the
money from the project's bank account before the IG was notified, leading to
their arrest. The World Bank provided the funds under the Development Response
to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), which the OPM implemented.
The project's
implementation begins immediately under the Lamwo district's supervision, and
the work is expected to be completed within a few months. Following the theft,
the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Osborn Oceng, announced
increased surveillance of all government projects. Lamwo district is home to
thousands of refugees from South Sudan who fled armed conflicts in their home
country.
The IG team also assessed the progress of other DRDIP project works,
such as the expansion of Palabek Gem Health Centre III and the installation of
a solar lighting system at Latebe Primary School.
Emmy Daniel Ojara
Freelancer